CharlieHorse

Ok so I bought this car from Gyro Mazda a few weeks ago and they changed the oil for me before I picked it up. I went through a few tanks of gas, checked up on the oil level, saw this, and now I'm FREAKING OUT! I've been driving almost 1K kilometers on an overfilled engine, and since this car is designed to burn it, it begs the question of how much there was to begin with. My question to you guys is, was this Mazda mechanic ******* stupid or is there a purpose for this? Is this going to reduce the life of my engine?

Also, does the oil colour call for a change? I know rotaries don't like carbon.

Mazda gave me two free oil changes with my car but if all they're going to do is **** everything up, I won't ever take my car back there.

Thanks

circutracer1511

Having this same problem. Mazda, and then Jiffy Lube overfilled my 06 RX8 GT... Just running it to burn it off now. Is this a bad idea?

CharlieHorse

I'm reading around that if the oil level is too high it can seep into the intake; soaking the air filter and coating the MAF sensor and SSV. I hope Mazda is prepared to clean that stuff for me or else this is may end up being a huge pain in the ***. I wonder if it affects the cat as well?

Apparently if its just 500ml over the top, its not a big deal. But if you are unsure, the best option is to drain it out rather than risking it.

I honestly never thought of changing oil to be complicated. On the bright side, I'm glad Jiffy Lube put any oil into your car-they had an exposé on charging people without doing anything ( ).

RIWWP

iTrader: (2)

Overrfilling of oil can lead to problems, but engine damage isn't one of them. What you are finding by reading up on stuff is accurate. The oil gets all over the interior of the intake system and where it shouldn't be, causing sensor problems,, gumming up the intake valving, etc... It can all be cleaned out but shouldn't lead to long term problems.

Steve Dallas

There is a bit of a procedure to accurately checking the oil level--at least with my car. I shut it off, pull the dipstick, clean it, stick it halfway back in, and wait 15 minutes. Then I pull it again, clean it, push it all the way in, pull it out, and check the level. If I don't do it this way, it shows too full every time. It seems the way the dipstick tube is situated, oil is pushed up into it, the dipstick holds it there under vacuum, and it takes a long while for it to drain back down and give an accurate reading. Pulling the dipstick halfway out breaks the seal and allows it to drain faster. You might try that.

CharlieHorse

Thanks, guys! stvnscott, it made a difference! Now the oil level is halfway between where it was and the max line. Debating burning it off or changing it. Thoughts? I want to keep it really clean and change it every 3k-does the colour seem dirty to you guys or am I just paranoid?

RIWWP

iTrader: (2)

Oil change interval should be no more than 2,500 miles if you are using regular oil. It can be 3,000-4,000 if you are using oil labeled 'synthetic'. Oil analysis tests showed that non-syn oils are already breaking down viscosity badly by 2,500 miles. (https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-tec...m-here-184241/)

Fresh oil matters more than anything oil attribute though.

CharlieHorse

Thanks. I meant 3k kilometers, so less than 2k miles. I'm staying away from synthetic.

CharlieHorse

Update** at no charge, Mazda drained the oil and filled it up to the proper level. They also inspected the intake/exhaust to find no oil where it wasn't supposed to be.

Thankfully, everything worked out! Thanks again.

Steve Dallas

Great news. I still pay the dealer to change my oil even though I do it myself on all my other cars, because I still have a lot of warranty left on the clock. But, I check their work before I drive away. Trust but verify.